Flexible Tray Moisture Diverter for Aircraft Structural Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
In aircraft, moisture from the insulation layer can thaw and drip into the cabin through gaps around structural members, as existing solutions like manual wrapping or drainage devices are inadequate to handle excess moisture effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a flexible tray that snap-fits onto structural members to collect moisture, coupled with a diverter that directs the collected moisture away from the structural member, ensuring it is diverted into the insulation cap strips and eventually into the bilge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If manual wrapping with absorbent material is used, then moisture absorption is improved, but the device complexity and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the moisture capture function from complex absorbent materials and concentrates it into a simple tray structure that collects and channels moisture away from the structural member, eliminating the need for absorbent wrapping materials
Solution Approach 2:
The tray acts as an intermediary device between the structural member and the moisture drainage system, providing a simple mechanical solution that captures moisture without requiring complex absorbent materials or manual intervention
2Productivity
If existing drainage devices are used, then moisture drainage is improved, but they cannot handle excess moisture effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed with flexibility to dynamically adapt to the structural member and insulation layer configuration, allowing it to effectively capture varying amounts of moisture including excess moisture that static drainage devices cannot handle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional approach by positioning the tray in the gap between the structural member and insulation layer, creating a three-dimensional moisture collection system that captures moisture from multiple directions rather than relying on single-point drainage
3Ease of manufacture
If insulation layer with predefined holes is used, then structural member installation is improved, but moisture can drip into the cabin
Solution Approach 1:
The tray serves as an intermediary barrier at the hole location, capturing moisture that would otherwise drip through the predefined holes into the cabin, while still allowing structural members to pass through for installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful moisture drainage path through the holes and redirects it through the tray system, separating the moisture flow from the structural member installation path
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively captures and diverts 20 to 100 millimeters of melted frost during each flight, preventing moisture from entering the cabin and ensuring it is drained overboard, enhancing moisture management in aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
moisture from moist air can condense against the skin and freeze during cruise
Implementation Method 2
this frozen moisture can thaw and drip back down towards the cabin
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices (10) and methods to capture moisture (130) at a structural member (120) in a vehicle. The devices (10) include a flexible tray (20) that can snap-fit onto an exterior of the structural member (120). Once attached, the flexible tray (20) can collect moisture (130) from the structural member (120). A diverter (30) is coupled to the flexible tray (20). The diverter (30) diverts the collected moisture (130) away from the structural member (120).